PhysioHub

Anterior Slide Test

Source: Physiotutors

Execution

  1. 1Position the patient sitting with the hands on the waist and thumbs pointing posteriorly.
  2. 2Stand behind the patient.
  3. 3Stabilize the scapula and clavicle with one hand.
  4. 4Apply an anterosuperior force at the elbow with the other hand.
  5. 5Note deep joint-line pain, pop, crack, click, or anterosuperior shoulder pain.

Positive outcome

Pain or a click / pop deep in the shoulder or along the joint line is positive. Magee describes a pop or crack with anterosuperior pain as the humeral head slides over a torn superior labrum.

Studies

StudyReliabilitySnSpLR+LR−
Kibler (1995)NA78.491.59.220.24
Michener et al. (2011)NANANANANA

CommentOriginal anterior-slide values were strong, but later diagnostic work found limited utility for type II-IV SLAP lesions. Positive criteria must be deep shoulder pain / click rather than superficial discomfort. Use cautiously in mixed shoulder presentations.

Moderate Clinical Value

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